Liverpool are likely to miss the services of Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino for their home encounter against Burnley.
The Reds host Premier League newcomers Burnley at Anfield on Sunday as they look to affirm their top four credentials. The Clarets will by no means allow Liverpool to walk through and Sean Dyche’s men are expected to put up a solid fight.
Liverpool may have been playing ping-pong with the top four this term, but due to the big teams missing out on league football through the FA Cup, they will climb as high as second if they manage to pick up all three points on the day.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will be in bullish mood going into the game, but there will be certain things that will ruffle his feathers prior to kick-off. For starters, the 2-0 defeat against Burnley at the start of the season may still be playing in the minds of the players, and it will be important for the German to ensure his side remain focused on the task at hand.
Secondly, few key first-team players are still doubts for the contests and may not recover in time to make the matchday squad on Sunday. Attacker Roberto Firmino, who has formed a seamless understanding with Sadio Mane and Phillipe Coutinho, has not trained all week, and is unlikely to be risked back into the fold this early.
Also, due to the absence of Daniel Sturridge through injury, Divock Origi is expected to be named as a starter against Burnley. Captain Jordan Henderson has also been struck by injuries of late and is likely to sit out this one to further aggravate his concerns.
Thus, a midfield trio of Emre Can, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to be deployed with the German playing the role of the anchorman, and will hope to put in better performances than has been in the last few weeks.
They have, however, received a boost on the defensive front as Dejan Lovren could return to the squad after a four-game absence. His arrival could help Liverpool concede fewer goals and thus push harder for a possible top two finish.
Picking up a win is going to extremely crucial for Klopp’s men as they face a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City before they play Everton at home. Burnley are likely to be a tough side to break down and the potential absence of Firmino could make Liverpool’s job that bit harder.
Also Read: Liverpool vs Burnley – Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics and Key Stats
